Stumptown Footy - All PostsYou are my sunshine, my only sunshine.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/31537/stumptown-fave.jpg2019-01-18T14:05:27-08:00http://www.stumptownfooty.com/rss/current/2019-01-18T14:05:27-08:002019-01-18T14:05:27-08:00Dagny Brynjarsdottir is coming back
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<p id="FW6ehJ">After missing all of last season, Iceland’s #10 Dagny Brynjarsdottir will be putting on a Portland Thorns jersey once again in the 2019 NWSL season, according to reports.</p>
<p id="KJNUHH">Brynjarsdottir, a crafty and physical playmaker capable of playing centrally or on the wing, was first brought to the NWSL by the Thorns in the 2016 season has played 31 games for the Thorns over the course of two seasons.</p>
<p id="H2wcMm">That Brynjarsdottir has been expected to return to the Thorns this year has been an open secret for a few months now, and indeed may have been the plan since the moment she had to take a leave of absence from the club after the 2017 season <a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2018/1/5/16855426/its-official-dagny-brynjarsdottir-is-pregnant">due to pregnancy</a>.</p>
<p id="6WUtyp">Despite struggling for minutes at the Thorns before her extended break from soccer, Brynjarsdottir had looked to be hitting new levels as a player, capped off with a dominant performance for her country against Germany in October of 2017 where she netted two goals and an assist in a 3-2 win that put Iceland in pole position in their <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/fifa-world-cup">World Cup</a> qualifying group. Brynjarsdottir’s absence from her team almost certainly didn’t help in the return fixture, a 2-0 win for Germany, which ensured Germany would qualify ahead of them. Iceland’s absence from the World Cup, while disappointing for their players, will be a great benefit for the Thorns, who will be the NWSL club most impacted by international absences during the 2019 season.</p>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2019/1/18/18188767/dagny-brynjarsdottir-is-coming-backTyler Nguyen2019-01-18T12:33:49-08:002019-01-18T12:33:49-08:00Official: Timbers sign goalkeeper Aljaz Ivacic
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<p>Welcome to Portland!</p> <p id="k0zLK8">Update: Friday morning, the club officially announced the signing of Aljaz Ivacic, who will occupy an international roster spot.</p>
<p id="x6AVeV">From the press release:</p>
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<p id="M5lQh1">“We are pleased to welcome Aljaž Ivačič to the Portland Timbers,” said Gavin Wilkinson, general manager and president of soccer for the Timbers. “It was a goal of ours to further strengthen this position during the offseason, and this move affords us the opportunity to add to an already strong group.”</p>
<p id="agxguN">Ivačič, 25, arrives in Portland after playing two seasons with NK Olimpija Ljubljana, helping the club win both the league and cup title during the 2017-18 season. During that span, Ivačič appeared in 55 matches across all competitions, posting a 0.88 goals-against average and 24 clean sheets.</p>
<p id="hONtvW">“We are excited to add another solid goalkeeping option to our roster,” said Giovanni Savarese, head coach of the Timbers. “Aljaž is a player that has a good mindset and mentality, and we look forward to helping him continue to grow and develop with our club.”</p>
<p id="yTjzGb">During the 2018-19 season, Ivačič made 25 appearances across all competitions, including 18 appearances in league play for Olimpija, logging 1,620 minutes, while recording five clean sheets. In addition, Ivačič appeared in both legs of UEFA Champions League qualifying, recording a shutout in a 0-0 draw with Qarabağ FK, and also started five matches during Europa League qualifying. In 2017-18, Ivačič played in 25 matches for Olimpija, allowing just 12 goals and recording 14 clean sheets during that span. Ivačič also played matches on loan with NK Bela Krajina (2013-14) and NK Radomlje (2014-17) in the Druga Liga, appearing in 68 matches for the two clubs combined.</p>
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<p id="JxuDt4"><a href="https://www.oregonlive.com/timbers/2019/01/portland-timbers-linked-to-slovenian-goalkeeper-aljaz-ivacic.html">Jamie Goldberg </a>of <em>The Oregonian </em>is reporting that the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/mls/teams/portland-timbers">Portland Timbers</a> have signed 25-year-old Slovenian keeper Aljaz Ivacic. According to the same report, the deal is for two years and a $150,000 dollar salary.</p>
<p id="zjHR6r">The Ljubljana, Slovenia, native had been playing for NK Olimpija Ljubljana in the Slovenian PrvaLiga. He is also a member of the Slovenian National Team. In 18 matches this season, he’s allowed 27 goals and has had five clean sheets, according to <a href="https://www.transfermarkt.com/aljaz-ivacic/leistungsdaten/spieler/231923">Transfer Market</a>. In 2017, he made 58 appearances and recorded 24 clean sheets.</p>
<p id="G2d7lN">This signing will add both to the depth and options at goalkeeper for coach Giovanni Savarese. Jeff Attinella is slated to keep his number one position and Steve Clark, who recently re-signed, will be his backup. Third keeper <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/mls/players/285551/kendall-mcintosh">Kendall McIntosh</a> will, according to Jamie G, go out on loan this season. This could mean that Ivacic will start the season with the Timbers USL affiliate T2.</p>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2019/1/17/18186908/timbers-sign-goalkeeper-aljaz-ivacic-mls-soccerTimm Higgins2019-01-18T10:15:00-08:002019-01-18T10:15:00-08:00After Action Report: TAFC hosts the 2019 Winter Classic
<img alt="The fourth annual Winter Classic futsal tournament was held January 12th." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HYe7rH8ZqFwyCyZVh9a-wdqdufw=/0x0:2048x1365/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62865420/31792011267_c2c2ba99d1_k.0.jpg" />
<p id="Fvx7Fu">Hundreds of players and spectators flooded Rose City Futsal’s Tigard facility Saturday for the 2019 TAFC Winter Classic futsal tournament, its fourth iteration of the annual event. TAFC organizers decked out the venue with balloons and streamers, and spectators were able to grab a pint at Clive’s Pub in the second floor of the facility before perching above the courts to cheer on their team.</p>
<p id="SWNbhG">Twenty-four teams competed across four divisions: Co-ed Just for Fun, Co-ed Competitive, Men’s Recreational, and Men’s Competitive. The Co-ed Just for Fun division was added this year due to demand from co-ed teams. Many teams that participated in the 2018 tournament returned, including Deacon Blue, Thundercats FC, and Men’s Recreational division champions, FC Bridge City. Three Thundercats-themed teams participated, forming what sounds like a movie trilogy: Thundercats FC, Thundercats United, and Estudiantes de Thundercats. Three other teams opted for puns: Hangover 96, Beer Pressure, and Pique Boo. Two teams, Sporting Bad Hombres and B-Side Bad Hombres, kept it topical.</p>
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<cite>Jason Wald</cite>
<figcaption>The Night Owls goalkeeper saves an attempt on goal.</figcaption>
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<p id="Nx9bce">The event started in the early afternoon with the co-ed matchups. Night Owls bested Vision Zero FC to take home the trophy in the Co-ed Competitive division. There was no trophy winner of the other Co-ed division, because it was “just for fun,” but the Pioneers and Pique Boo won the most games in that division.</p>
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<cite>107IST Photo Team</cite>
<figcaption>Night Owls pose with the trophy for winning the Co-ed Competitive division.</figcaption>
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<p id="ggTHOr">Men’s division games started in the early evening. The TACCC Weekenders took top prize in the Men’s Recreational division, besting Hangover 96 in the division final. Nomads FC defeated Naranja to top the Men’s Competitive division. Having scored more goals (8) than any other player in the tournament, Candido Sanchez won the Golden Boot. Sam Rivera and Reezah Dyason ended with seven goals apiece.</p>
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<cite>107ist Photo Team</cite>
<figcaption>The TACCC Weekenders won the Men’s Recreational division. Candido Sanchez, center, took home the Golden Boot.</figcaption>
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<cite>107ist Photo Team</cite>
<figcaption>Nomads FC were hard to miss in red and white stripes. They won the Men’s Competitive division.</figcaption>
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<p id="OtnWs4">All proceeds from the tournament will go to the Gisele Currier Scholarship Fund and the 107IST general fund. Further event information and photos can be found at the Winter Classic <a href="http://timbersarmyfc.bonzidev.com/winterclassic">website</a>. Additional photos from the 107IST photo team are available <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/timbersarmy/sets/72157705681639885">here</a>.</p>
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<cite>Jason Wald</cite>
<figcaption>Requiring skills close in, futsal can sometimes seem like a dance around the ball.</figcaption>
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<cite>Jason Wald</cite>
<figcaption>A Nomad watches on with glee as his teammate puts one past the keeper.</figcaption>
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<cite>Jason Wald</cite>
<figcaption>A Naranja player launches a half-court shot.</figcaption>
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https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2019/1/18/18185875/after-action-report-tafc-hosts-the-2019-winter-classicJason Wald2019-01-17T15:22:57-08:002019-01-17T15:22:57-08:00Report: Timbers interested in Boca Juniors right-back Leonardo Jara
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<p>From the rumor mill</p> <p id="vBG9Dv">According to <a href="https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/01/17/report-portland-timbers-contention-argentine-leonardo-jara">MLS.com</a>, there’s a report out of Argentina that links the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/mls/teams/portland-timbers">Portland Timbers</a> and Boca Juniors involving the latter’s 27-year-old Argentinian right-back Leonardo Jara.</p>
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<p lang="es" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jara?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jara</a> se va a ir de Boca. Continuará su carrera en otro club. Leganes es una posibilidad, pero el Portland Timbers y la liga mexicana son las alternativas.<br>(Costa x <a href="https://twitter.com/ClossAM590?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ClossAM590</a>) <a href="https://t.co/RPVK9otZ86">pic.twitter.com/RPVK9otZ86</a></p>— Información CABJ (@InformacionCABJ) <a href="https://twitter.com/InformacionCABJ/status/1085656355527045120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2019</a>
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<p id="CwPIVb">While another right-back would be nice, I wouldn’t get my hopes up. He’s also being looked at by La Liga Club CD Leganes and several Liga MX clubs as well. He’s made 50 appearances for Boca Juniors, 73 overall in the Argentinian Primera Division. He started his career in 2009 playing for Estudiantes and joined Boca Juniors in 2016. </p>
<p id="gHCT9z">This season he’s made more starts in the Copa Libertadores than he did in actual league play; between the Libertadores and the Primera Division he made 17 appearances across the two competitions.</p>
<p id="6BP93R">I don’t put a lot of stock in highlight videos, but from the one I’ve watched, he’s got some excitement to him. Looks like he likes to get forward and involved in the attack, but with the defensive balance to go with it. He’s also not shy about taking shots from distance. </p>
<p id="nr7IkC">Here’s the video, would love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Again, this is just a rumor so take it all with a heavy grain of salt. </p>
<div id="6nYJNJ"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8YBN3o5gVmY?rel=0&amp;showinfo=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2019/1/17/18187431/report-timbers-interested-in-boca-juniors-right-back-leonardo-jara-portland-timbers-leganesTimm Higgins2019-01-17T09:00:00-08:002019-01-17T09:00:00-08:00ATF: Josef Martinez signs long-term deal with Atlanta United
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<p>Also: Is it the beginning of the end for the MLS Superdraft; LAFC hoping for continuity and defense and more!</p> <h3 id="lntjJz">Timbers</h3>
<p id="FDiih9"><a href="https://www.timbers.com/post/2019/01/14/timbers-select-two-players-final-two-rounds-2019-mls-superdraft">Timbers select two players in final two rounds of 2019 MLS SuperDraft | Portland Timbers</a></p>
<p id="g6eIBL"><a href="https://www.timbers.com/post/2019/01/16/claude-dielna-trade-continues-timbers-commitment-depth-competition">Claude Dielna trade continues Timbers' commitment to depth, competition | Portland Timbers</a></p>
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<h3 id="QVQ41q">Major League Soccer</h3>
<p id="quQ0nQ"><a href="http://www.espn.com/soccer/major-league-soccer/19/blog/post/3752778/mls-hot-stove-will-almiron-leave-atlanta-is-vela-going-to-barca-whats-next-for-gio-dos-santos-and-la">MLS Hot Stove: Will Almiron leave Atlanta? Is Vela going to Barca? What's next for Gio in LA?</a><br>Atlanta might have a Designated Player problem if one of their stars doesn't complete a move to England, while two Mexico stars are in limbo in LA.</p>
<p id="wFBNST"><a href="https://www.dirtysouthsoccer.com/2019/1/16/18184573/josef-martinez-contract-extension-atlanta-united">Josef Martinez signs long-term contract extension with Atlanta United - Dirty South Soccer</a><br>The King of Atlanta is here to stay.</p>
<p id="G4dGU5"><a href="https://mlsmultiplex.com/2019/01/15/mls-conservative-superdraft-beginning-end-odd-year/">MLS: Conservative SuperDraft beginning of end or odd year out?</a><br>The MLS SuperDraft was much more conservative this year. Does that hint at the beginning of the end for the event or is it just an anomaly?</p>
<p id="34WqpE"><a href="https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/01/16/stejskal-san-jose-gm-jesse-fioranelli-out-make-forgettable-2018">Stejskal: San Jose GM Jesse Fioranelli out to make up for forgettable 2018 | MLSsoccer.com</a></p>
<p id="7773uz"><a href="https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/01/16/real-salt-lake-name-rob-zarkos-executive-vp-soccer-operations">Real Salt Lake name Rob Zarkos executive VP of soccer operations | MLSsoccer.com</a></p>
<p id="nn21X0"><a href="https://theathletic.com/772064/2019/01/16/lafc-hoping-continuity-competition-changes-defenses-fortunes-in-2019/">LAFC hoping continuity, competition changes defense’s fortunes in 2019 – The Athletic ($)</a><br>In the club's second season, LAFC's biggest weakness has been bolstered by re-signings rather than a big-name acquisition.</p>
<p id="0AQS4w"><a href="https://ussoccerplayers.com/2019/01/dc-united-faces-expectations-in-2019.html">DC United faces expectations in 2019 | US Soccer Players</a><br>DC United has a full season at Audi Field and roster moves to make as they try to show that they can remain a contender in the Eastern Conference.</p>
<p id="2UtVGm"><a href="https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/dynamo/article/Wilmer-Cabrera-sets-Dynamo-goals-as-U-S-Open-13539871.php">Wilmer Cabrera sets Dynamo goals as U.S. Open title defense, MLS playoff spot - HoustonChronicle.com</a><br>On a cold, gray winter day, Wilmer Cabrera began to jog around one of the practice fields of the Houston Sports Park complex. His players were already enjoying a hot shower and jacuzzi in the locker room.</p>
<p id="72bbuh"><a href="https://en.onefootball.com/bayern-confirm-friendly-with-major-league-soccers-fc-dallas/">Bayern confirm friendly with Major League Soccer's FC Dallas</a></p>
<p id="k5KMNn"><a href="https://theathletic.com/771976/2019/01/16/red-bulls-looking-at-possible-overseas-transfer-to-boost-midfield-depth/">Red Bulls looking at possible overseas transfer to boost midfield depth – The Athletic ($)</a><br>The <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/mls/teams/new-york-red-bulls">New York Red Bulls</a> are still looking for the right way to replace <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/mls/players/258610/tyler-adams">Tyler Adams</a>' role in the middle of the park.</p>
<p id="sQ7zAI"><a href="https://www.massivereport.com/2019/1/15/18183920/columbus-crew-caleb-porter-tim-bezbatchenko-focused-on-putting-staff-together">Porter, Bezbatchenko focused on putting Columbus Crew’s staff together - Massive Report</a><br>There are plenty of staffing holes to fill for the new Crew leaders.</p>
<p id="SsMwbb"><a href="https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/01/16/report-schelotto-eyes-river-plate-midfielder-la-galaxy-reinforcement">Report: Schelotto eyes River Plate midfielder as LA Galaxy reinforcement | MLSsoccer.com</a></p>
<p id="sGAwpu"><a href="https://mlsmultiplex.com/2019/01/16/mls-expansion-expansion-expansion-not-always-beneficial/">MLS: Expansion, expansion, expansion not always beneficial</a><br>Major League Soccer commissioner has heavily hinted at expansion beyond 28 clubs. MLS needs to be careful. Expansion is not always beneficial.</p>
<p id="uYEDVb"><a href="https://www.starsandstripesfc.com/mls-usmnt/2019/1/16/18184815/michael-bradley-concacaf-best-xi-eleven-toronto-fc-tfc-usa-usmnt">Michael Bradley named to CONCACAF Best XI - Stars and Stripes FC</a><br>How Sway?!</p>
<p id="vTwbAA"><a href="https://theathletic.com/771338/2019/01/16/yamil-asad-dc-united-contract-mls-velez-sarsfield/">D.C. United’s Yamil Asad negotiations held up by shifting club demands – The Athletic ($)</a><br>The player wants to be back, and the club wants him back. But Yamil Asad may well have played his last game for D.C. United.</p>
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<h3 id="DUH3gM">World Soccer</h3>
<p id="F5LoOJ"><a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/1/17/18186729/bayern-munich-bundesliga-alphonso-davies-kingsley-coman-hoffenheim-canada">Alphonso Davies reveals how his family and Kingsley Coman have powered his journey with Bayern Munich - Bavarian Football Works</a><br>The Canadian starlet could make his Bundesliga debut tomorrow and revealed how a talk with Kingsley Coman helped him mold his approach to a career with Bayern.</p>
<p id="Ehay0O"><a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/1/17/18185381/borussia-dortmund-bayern-munich-report-stop-robert-lewandowski-christian-pulisic-mats-hummels">Borussia Dortmund has reportedly decided to stop “handing over” players to Bayern Munich - Bavarian Football Works</a><br>Bayern Munich has been accused of poaching players from its Bundesliga rivals too many times in the past. It looks like that is set to change.</p>
<p id="Z110D0"><a href="https://deadspin.com/woman-who-coaches-mens-soccer-team-responds-to-sexist-q-1831818018">Woman Who Coaches Men's Soccer Team Responds To Sexist Question: "I Pick My Team On Dick Length"</a><br>In late December, German soccer club BV Cloppenburg handed the reins of their fifth-division men’s team to Imke Wübbenhorst, making her the first woman to coach a German men’s team at that high of a level.</p>
<p id="Yqfxp5"><a href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/chelsea-fc-transfer-rumours-news/2019/1/17/18185911/juventus-chelsea-clarify-terms-of-higuain-deal-report">Juventus, Chelsea clarify terms of Higuaín deal - We Ain't Got No History</a><br>Only a few final details and an OK from AC Milan missing now.</p>
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https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2019/1/17/18186867/josef-martinez-signs-long-term-deal-with-atlanta-united-bayern-munich-alphonso-davies-timbers-mlsTimm Higgins2019-01-16T12:33:44-08:002019-01-16T12:33:44-08:00Timbers acquire rights to defender Claude Dielna
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<p id="Tl8O1Y">The <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/mls/teams/portland-timbers">Portland Timbers</a> have today officially acquired the MLS rights to central defender <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/mls/players/286535/claude-dielna">Claude Dielna</a> from the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/mls/teams/new-england-revolution">New England Revolution</a> for $100k GAM.</p>
<p id="1AEGvp">Dielna, 31, joined the league by signing as a Designated Player for the Revolution in the summer of 2017 and has since played 28 matches for the side. Dielna is likely to be seen as a starting-caliber player, meant fill the hole in the depth chart left by the departure of <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/mls/players/112307/liam-ridgewell">Liam Ridgewell</a>. </p>
<p id="5GBATl">Before coming to MLS, Dielna spent the last three seasons with Sheffield Wednesday of the EFL Championship, where he made 25 appearances for the first team, as well as four appearances on loan with Slovan Bratislava and twelve on loan with Dinamo Bucaresti. Dielna has also played for FC Istres (68 appearances), CS Sedan (on loan from Olympiacos, 37 appearances), and AC Ajaccio (on loan from Olympiacos, 24 appearances). </p>
<p id="iXHE1J">“Claude is a player we have monitored closely since his arrival in Major League Soccer over a year ago,” said <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/mls/players/224459/gavin-wilkinson">Gavin Wilkinson</a>, general manager and president of soccer for the Timbers. “After many discussions with the player, it is clear that he has a keen interest in this opportunity to join the Timbers and contribute to the club’s success. His familiarity with the league, along with his global playing experience will be beneficial to our group.”</p>
<p id="74o3fI">That the Timbers Front Office has been keeping an eye on Dielna since 2017 and that he seems so eager to come to Portland can only be good signs for this new acquisition. Luckily, Timbers fans won’t have to wait long to see their new man in action, as the first match of the <a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2019/1/15/18184097/portland-timbers-unveil-full-2019-preseason-schedule-costa-rica-mobile-mini-sun-cup">2019 Preseason</a> will be played on February 4th. </p>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/portland-timbers/2019/1/16/18185708/timbers-acquire-rights-to-claude-dielna-revolution-mls-transferZach Kay2019-01-16T12:00:06-08:002019-01-16T12:00:06-08:00Six Degrees: Suddenly Busy
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<p>Word Count 2, DeMann 0</p> <p id="1y3JYJ">A week ago, the Timbers were boring us to tears with their lack of news. This week, it’s been non-stop action. Let’s break it all down.</p>
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<p id="n4Dvce"><strong>1) </strong>It wasn’t a big surprise, but Liam Ridgewell and the Timbers have mutually agreed to part ways. Ridgy was somewhat of a polarizing figure during the 4-plus years he was here. He got injured too much, he wasn’t nearly as good on the road as he was at home, he seemed to loaf every now and then, and worst of all, he occasionally posted photos of himself on Instagram doing things like boating and golfing and not soccering. The nerve!</p>
<p id="9PefUq">But despite all that, I think it’s fair to argue that Ridgy was the best, or at least most important, center back in the team’s MLS history. Here’s a good <a href="https://www.timbers.com/post/2019/01/10/thank-you-ridgy?autoplay=true">highlight video</a>, but to be honest, these numbers may be all you need to see.</p>
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<p id="ORZuEz"><strong>2) </strong>In addition to being good at soccer, Ridgy was also one of the locker room’s most lighthearted personalities, as you can see in this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWq19dvJ7g0">April Fools Day video</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xftMZCKD5q0">this one</a> after winning MLS Cup.</p>
<p id="jmsNxU">If I were to make a list of Timbers who seemed to be the most fun in the locker room, it would include Ridgy, Fanendo Adi, Pa Modou Kah, assistant coach Sean McCauley, and <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/mls/players/133095/zarek-valentin"><strong>Zarek Valentin</strong></a>.</p>
<p id="jbZ6ck">Four of those five people are gone now, and I hope this hasn’t hurt the team’s culture. I hope there’s still plenty of joy and laughter to be found.</p>
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<p id="Vj2Lkd"><strong>3) </strong>So, with Ridgy gone, who’s playing center back next year? Presumably, <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/mls/players/286540/larrys-mabiala"><strong>Larrys Mabiala</strong></a>’s got that right side locked down. Who’s next to him? <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/mls/players/286541/bill-tuiloma"><strong>Bill Tuiloma</strong></a>? <strong>Julio Cascante</strong>? Claude Dielna?</p>
<p id="9nl3kS">It seems pretty well decided that we’re signing Dielna from New England. I don’t know too much about him. He’s 31, French, and it’s possible he got in Coach Brad Friedel’s doghouse last year. <a href="https://www.thebentmusket.com/2018/8/12/17680214/brad-friedel-claude-dielna-captain-new-england-revolution">This article</a> is implying that, though a little too vaguely to be sure. </p>
<p id="ejhUqI">Many other roster moves occurred in the last week, as well as continuing rumors about an incoming right back and forward. Jamie Goldberg from the Oregonian really is your best source for <a href="http://connect.oregonlive.com/staff/goldbergjamie/posts.html">news like this</a>. All I can offer are thoughts and questions, most of which currently go back and forth between “Should we be playing our kids?” and “Adding talent’s always good, even if it buries younger players, right?”</p>
<p id="56iE2N">Where do you land in this discussion?</p>
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<p id="kAA4cR"><strong>4) </strong>Speaking of young players, MLS just held its annual SuperDraft, or as I like to call it, the VeryRarelyABigDealDraft.</p>
<p id="RdTBbH">The Timbers drafted forward Ryan Sierakowski out of Michigan State, defender Lennart Hein out of St. Louis, defender Francesco Moore out of Indiana, and midfielder David Zalzman out of Memphis.</p>
<p id="yhOaPI">Will any of these guys make a dent with the Timbers, or will we have completely forgotten their names a year from now? Will they turn out to be Darlington Nagbes or Trevor Morleys?</p>
<p id="9j7VoM">Who’s Trevor Morley, you ask? Apparently, he was a Timbers draft pick in 2016, but I swear, I have no memory of him. None whatsoever.</p>
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<p id="lfqCwC"><strong>5) </strong>In fact, let’s play a game. Below is a list of every player the Timbers have drafted since joining MLS. (I think it’s complete. I got it by digging around on <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Portland_Timbers_draft_picks">Wikipedia </a>and the <a href="https://www.oregonlive.com/timbers/index.ssf/2017/01/a_look_at_how_the_portland_tim.html">Oregonian</a>.) There are 30 names. How many do you recognize?</p>
<p id="WzQtRS">Kharlton Belmar, Nick Besler, Neco Brett, Seth Casiple, Russell Cicerone, <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/mls/players/285548/jeremy-ebobisse"><strong>Jeremy Ebobisse</strong></a>, George Fochive, Wade Hamilton, Chris Hegngi, Doug Herrick, Miguel Ibarra, Andrew Jean-Baptiste, Champ Kind, Brendan King, Nikita Kotlov, Aaron Long, Anthony Manning, Wes Mantooth, David Meves, Trevor Morley, Taylor Mueller, Darlington Nagbe, Dr. Kenneth Noisewater, Taylor Peay, Ben Polk, Chris Taylor, Andy Thoma, Schillo Tshuma, Dylan Tucker-Gangnes, Christian Volesky.</p>
<p id="Ds75nY">I recognize 19 of the 30, but since three of them aren’t actually soccer players, just characters from the movie <em>Anchorman</em>, I guess I really only recognize 16 of 27.</p>
<p id="LivGrH">This year’s selections – Sierakowski, Hein, Moore, and Zalzman – could all turn out to be Darlington Nagbes, or they could end up being Trevor Morleys. The only thing I can guarantee is that they won’t be <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzM2DwYWuPY">Kenneth Noisewaters</a>. Of this, I’m certain.</p>
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<p id="x9hl8g"><strong>6) </strong>For the second straight week, I was hoping to keep this post below 600 words, but here we are, already over 700. I’ll keep this final degree super-short.</p>
<p id="oCiCEG">Preseason starts <a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2019/1/15/18184097/portland-timbers-unveil-full-2019-preseason-schedule-costa-rica-mobile-mini-sun-cup">next Tuesday</a>! Can you believe it? The team will spend some time here in Portland, then go to Costa Rica, then head to their usual preseason spot in Tuscon, Arizona. </p>
<p id="ouibTC">It’s a little shocking how quickly it’s coming up. A week until they’re practicing? A month and a half until they’re playing competitively? Very exciting!</p>
<p id="y8Bxlc">I’ll be back in a week to give my thoughts, and I expect a ton of news between now and then. The slow, quiet days are over. Things are gonna be picking up in a big way. I can’t wait.</p>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2019/1/16/18185495/six-degrees-suddenly-busyC.I. DeMann2019-01-16T10:00:03-08:002019-01-16T10:00:03-08:00Soccer Made in Portland: It’s 2019’s first show!
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<p>A month off has left Jamie and Richard with too much to talk about; and yet, not enough. Why the lack of news?</p> <p id="mT0q0v">It’s hot stove season for both MLS and the NWSL, so where else would Jamie Goldberg and Richard Farley start than with signings (few) and departures (some), needs (some) and wants ( ). </p>
<p id="wGRHUG">SMiP’s hosts also talk about the MLS schedule — and the silver linings in the Portland’s 12-game, road start — the impending Timbers preseason, and how new rule changes will impact rosters in the NWSL.</p>
<p id="k1CRIb"><strong>Where to subscribe: </strong><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=66960X1516590&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fpodcast%2Fsoccer-made-in-portland%2Fid891176847"><strong>iTunes</strong></a><strong> / </strong><a href="http://soccermadeinpdx.libsyn.com/rss"><strong>RSS</strong></a><strong> / </strong><a href="http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/soccer-made-in-portland-6/soccer-made-in-portland"><strong>Stitcher</strong></a><strong> / </strong><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=66960X1516590&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fpodcast%2Fportland-timbers-podcast-network%2Fid481874169"><strong>Timbers</strong></a></p>
<div id="wXk3IT"><iframe src="https://html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/8272004/theme/custom/" style="border: 0; width: 100%; height: 90px;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div>
<p id="JdqMQu"><strong>Show breakdown</strong></p>
<p id="BG498S">0:00 - 49:55 - Timbers </p>
<p id="9HITKw">49:56 - 56:30 - “Hot” (read: frozen) take interlude</p>
<p id="2lPqVz">56:31 - fin - Thorns </p>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/soccer-made-in-portland/2019/1/16/18185387/portland-timbers-thorns-podcast-2019-episode-1-transaction-reviews-transfers-trades-signingsRichard Farley